In 2008 Intel released a low-power and low-cost microprocessor that opened up a new market for smaller mobile computers, commonly known as netbooks. During the subsequent two years, netbooks have grown to be a substantial component of the mobile computer industry, capturing a major share of...

For many biotech drugs, minimal competition has led to significant margins. Genentech's legacy product, however, faces intense competition from six other competitors. Competition necessitates contracting to ensure patient access to the product but this results in price erosion. An increase in...

Intel's current demand-forecasting processes rely on customers' demand forecasts. Customers do not revise demand forecasts as demand decreases until the last minute. Intel's current demand models provide little guidance for judging customer orders when the market changes. As a result, during the...

The problem of optimally distributing new products is common to many companies and industries. This thesis describes how this challenge was addressed at Zara, a leading retailer in the "fast fashion" industry. The thesis discusses the development and evaluation of a modular system including...

As part of continuing lean transformation efforts at Pratt & Whitney, the Middletown Engine Center has turned its focus on the GP7000 turbofan engine as a target for lean implementation. Projected increases in GP7000 production volume over the next few years, along with aggressive cost reduction...

Appropriate inventory management is important for many businesses throughout the world. For the vaccines industry, appropriate inventory policies impact both the business' profitability and people's lives. An optimal policy must consider challenges such as product expiration, country specific...

Call centers are important for developing and maintaining healthy relationships with customers. At Dell, call centers are also at the core of the company's renowned direct model. For sales call centers in particular, the impact of proper operations is reflected not only in long-term...

The convergence of the information age with an improved understanding of the effects humans have on the environment provides exciting new opportunities to improve our impact on the world. Though modem companies collect and store an increasing amount of environmental data, it often remains locked...

As companies attempt to remain competitive throughout increasing market forces, many firms develop key operational strategies to differentiate themselves. One method that many companies such as Amazon, Dell, and Toyota, have established a competitive advantage through is supply chain management...

This thesis explores business opportunities in the "smart grid" environment for the Power Electronics Global Product Group (PE GPG) of ABB, Ltd. The goal of this thesis is three-fold: 1) Provide a detailed definition of the smart grid landscape. 2) Create a framework for decision makers in the...